Community peace-building

People affected by conflict and instability are often best positioned to know what their communities need to create lasting peace. Local conflict transformation can have a big impact globally. AFSC connects communities worldwide to foster peace, sustainability, and shared security.

Peace in schools-

Lessons on peace can be challenging to teach amid a media environment focused on war and violence. This podcast explores how Quaker schools can live out the peace testimony in and outside of the classroom.

The Peace Education programaims to limit the influence of military recruiters on middle and high school kids, to help these kids make well reflected career choices, and to provide information on jobs in peacemaking and non-violent ways to financing college.

Peer-to-peer learning is proving to be an effective way to promote nonviolence in New Orleans. Through Peace by Piece, a youth-led program of AFSC’s New Orleans program, interns and community partners train youth in conflict resolution and violence reduction using arts and activism.

The Oakland-based "67 Sueños Collective" ("67 Dreams," after the 67 percent of young people who would not be affected by the DREAM Act) holds monthly encounters or "Encuentros" with undocumented youth from across the Bay Area.

The focus is to build solidarity, and to record their testimonies/stories in hopes to build awareness about the issues they face and to bear witness to their American experience.

The fourth edition and expanded training manual includes updated information and statistics on youth violence and education methodology, in addition to new activities and artwork. Spiral-bound for easy copying!

Help Increase the Peace Program Manual2009 Edition, 255 Pages $30.00 includes standard shipping and handlingContact us for more information on bulk orders

Local peace networks-

In his Port-au-Prince, Haiti neighborhood, 22-year-old Wallen Calistin is known as a peacemaker.

Patient, tolerant, and shy, as a young boy he struggled with how to communicate with his friends and neighbors in one of the most vulnerable parts of one of the world’s most dangerous countries, where a long history of structural inequalities and political upheaval has spawned a culture of violence. He could see a path to a more peaceful way of life, but bringing others along on that journey proved to be his biggest challenge.

In Guatemala, younger generations have grown up with the legacy of 36 years of armed conflict. Social and political exclusion and inequality put a strain on many young people, especially in urban areas. In the midst of the violence, the majority of firearm victims on the street are young men.

Local peace networks work toward resolving community disputes, particularly in areas experiencing high levels of violence and social exclusion. This report gathers best practices for these networks.

Who we are

AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. Learn more

Where we work

AFSC has offices around the world. To see a complete list see the Where We Work page.